Alabama’s dramatic 41-34 win over Georgia last weekend had all of college football talking, as the Crimson Tide seized control of the SEC standings and moved up to No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. Now Vanderbilt, with a bye week under its belt to prepare, will try to slow down the Crimson Tide’s explosive offense.
Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe accounted for 491 yards and four touchdowns against Georgia, putting himself squarely in the Heisman Trophy race while adding to his credentials as a potential early-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Vandy will try to contain Milroe while also dealing with freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, who exploded for 177 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
“This is a team that has size, speed, skill and physical toughness at every position,” said Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea Monday night on Learfield’s Commodore Hour. “There’s not a lot of deficiencies that way. Offensively, you look at their game and 80% of their offense channeled through two people. They’re gonna have that play-making ability that elite teams have.
“Our challenge on defense is they’re gonna get their plays — this isn’t a game where you go in and think we’re gonna hold them under 250 yards. They’re gonna get their plays. How do we ensure that they’re having to go the long, hard way? We have to eliminate explosive touchdowns and keep the ball inside and in front of us.”
Over the last two matchups between Alabama and Vandy, the Tide has racked up a combined margin of 114-3. Those matchups took place when legendary coach Nick Saban led the Tide, but new coach Kalen DeBoer has the team undefeated and trending toward a comfortable berth in the College Football Playoff
Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) ranks in the top 10 nationally in 30-plus, 40-plus and 50-plus-yard plays respectively despite having played one fewer game than most teams. The defense, meanwhile, ranks 13th in yards per play allowed.
“They’re well-coached, they’re explosive in their identity and in all three phases there are talented players,” Lea said. “Yet we have a great opportunity as a program to compete against the No. 1 team in the country and to do it at home. Our guys will be excited for that.”.
Shorten game
On multiple occasions in recent interviews, Lea has indicated displeasure with the Commodores’ inability to control time of possession and limit drives to the extent that he desires. Lea said Vanderbilt during the bye week focused on figuring out how to improve its ball control and better play toward his stated strategy.
As a major underdog against Alabama, that strategy could become even more important.
“We’re gonna try and shorten the game,” Lea said. “This is a game where I want to see less than 10 possessions. That means all three phases are locked in arms to make that happen.”
Trainer’s room
Starting defensive lineman Zaylin Wood missed Vanderbilt’s loss at Missouri after suffering an ankle injury at Georgia State. Lea did not give a firm answer regarding Wood’s status for the Alabama game.
“Zaylin is on his way back,” Lea said. “Maybe not as far along as we want him. He hasn’t been able to practice. He has been doing more and more, but with an ankle you have to give it the time it needs to heal. We hope for him to be available on Saturday. There’s still some ground to cover that way this week. It’s not out of the question.”